1 Warisan (1 Heritage) @ George Town (25 JUL 2009)

Penang berpesta hari ini....

9.00am – 2.00pm Menaiki Sampan (Percuma) Free Boat Ride - Lim Jetty, Weld Quay

9.00am – 11.30am Jejak Warisan “Street of Harmony” Heritage Walk “Street of Harmony” - Meet at Town Hall, Jalan Padang Kota Lama

9.00am – 5.00pm Pameran Khazanah Pulau Pinang Penang Heritage Exhibition - INTI International College Penang, 1Z Jalan Bukit Jambul

10.00am – 5.00pm Pesta Seni, Muzik, Kraf & Makanan Food, Craft, Art & Music Festival - Dewan Sri Pinang, Lebuh Light

10.00am – 10.00pm Pesta Seni Antarabangsa (Pameran lukisan, forum seni dan pertunjukan drama) Art International Festival (Art workshop, art forums & drama performance) - Town Hall & Wawasan Open University

11.00am – 7.00pm Pameran Sejarah Perkampungan Masjid Melayu dan Kebudayaan Tradisi Islam Exhibition on the Acheen Street Mosque History and Islamic Traditional Culture - Acheen Street Mosque, Lebuh Acheh

3.00pm – 5.00pm Gostan Forward Ceramah Persembahan Tarian oleh Marion D’Cruz Gostan Forward a solo performance lecture by Marion D’Cruz - Penang Heritage Trust, 26 Lebuh Gereja

5.00pm – 10.00pm Gerai Jualan dan Demonstrasi Kraf Food Stalls and Craft Demonstration - Islamic Museum Park, Lebuh Acheh

5.00pm – 7.00pm Perarakan beca Trishaw Parade – “Street of Harmony-Heritage Zone”

5.00pm – 9.00pm Wayang Boneka Hokkien Hokkien Puppet Theatre - Cheah Kongsi, 8 Lebuh Armenian (Open House, 9.00am)

5.30pm – 9.30pm Opera Teochew Teochew Opera - In front of Goddess of Mercy Temple, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling

5.00pm – 10.00pm Persembahan Muzik Islam Islamic Musical Performance - Acheen Street Mosque & 35 Lebuh Queen

5.00pm – 10.00pm Simpang “Rasa-rasa dan Kraftangan” Little Penang Street Market Craft and Food Corner of Little Penang Street Market - Lebuh Armenian

6.00pm – 10.00pm Rumah Terbuka Open House - Meng Eng Soo Temple, Jalan Pintal Tali

6.30pm – 10.30pm Pertunjukan Kebudayaan Teochew dan Cina Showcase of Teochew & Chinese Culture (Dragon Dance, 24 Seasonal Drum, Teochew Opera,Traditional Games, Chinese Dance & Teochew Delicacies) - Inside & in front of Teochew Association, 127 Lebuh Chulia

7.00pm – 10.00pm Tarian India dan Muzik Klasikal Indian Dance and Classical Music - Next to Kuil Arulmigu Mahamariamman, Lebuh Queen

8.00pm – 10.00pm Persembahan jalanan pelbagai kaum Multi ethnic street performance - “Street of Harmony – Heritage Zone”

8.00pm – 10.30pm Tayangan filem “Road to Dawn” Film Screening “Road to Dawn” - Penang Chinese Town Hall, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling

9.00pm – 10.30pm Majlis Penutupan Perayaan Sambutan Ulang Tahun Pertama George Town Sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO Closing Ceremony of The 1st Anniversary George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site Celebration - Khoo Kongsi, Lebuh Cannon

Meanwhile, an ICT Week, perhaps in conjunction with the start of PIKOM ICT Month, is also being celebrated at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)'s Minden Campus, at its Eureka Complex and Student Main Hall, beginning 23 JUL 2009 until tomorrow, 26 JUL 2009. Read more about the programmes schedule at Enovate's Website. Other programmes at USM include a movie screening - Afdlin Shauki's Pappadom at Dewan Tunku Syed Putra, today at 8pm and; a Gostan Forward solo performance lecture by Marion D’Cruz at Panggung Sasaran, tomorrow, Sunday at 3pm.

Japanese Film Festival 2009 @ Gurney Plaza (26-28jun09)

The annual Japanese Film Festival is heading to town again. Don’t miss the opportunity to see good Japanese movies. One of the 8 titles we are screening this year is “Departure”, the winner of Best Foreign Language Film at 81st Academy Awards.

This is the best chance for you to spend some pleasures time with your loved ones. Perhaps, you can have a date with your father for a movie on the Father’s Day with an affordable ticket price. Show your love and care to him! The ticket price is RM5 per screening, except “Departures”.

KLANG VALLEY
Duration: 18 (Thu) – 22 (Mon) June 2009
Venue: GSC Mid Valley & GSC 1 Utama
Ticket: RM5 per screening (The price for “Departures” will be normal prevailing ticket price)
Reservation: Call GSC at 03-8312 3456 or log on to www.gsc.com.my

PENANG
Duration: 26 (Fri) – 28 (Sun) June 2009
Venue: GSC Gurney Plaza
Ticket: RM5 per screening (The price for “Departures” will be normal prevailing ticket price)
Reservation: Call GSC at 04-222 3456 or log on to www.gsc.com.my

* Booking can be made from 2 days before the screening.
** If reservation is full, tickets may be available for walk-in purchase at participating cinemas.

---

The list of films to be screened is as follows:
*** All films are in Japanese with English subtitles

SYNOPSIS (click here)

- Departures / おくりびと
by TAKITA Yojiro (滝田洋二郎), 2008, 130min

- PACO and the Magical Book / パコと魔法の絵本
by NAKASHIMA Tetsuya (中島哲也), 2008, 105min

- All Around Us / ぐるりのこと
by HASHIGUCHI Ryosuke (橋口亮輔), 2008, 140min

- ALWAYS-Sunset on Third Street-2 / ALWAYS 続・三丁目の夕日
by YAMAZAKI Takashi (山崎貴), 2007, 146min

- After School / アフター・スクール
by UCHIDA Kenji (内田けんじ), 2007, 102min

- Breathe in, Breathe out / 深呼吸の必要
by SHINOHARA Tetsuo (篠原哲雄), 2004, 123min

- How to Become Myself / あしたの私のつくり方
by ICHIKAWA Jun (市川準), 2007, 97min

 The Bandage Club / 包帯クラブ
by TSUTSUMI Yukihiko (堤幸彦), 2007, 118min

Notes: Titles are subject to change in the case of unforeseeable matters.

See full schedule at Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur website.

Go away, Go safe, Go celebrate!

It's coming to our shore... Mark the dates: 21st - 20th of February 2009. Catch up with more gossips at Project Gossip blogspot.

Rock Tune for 2009

Now that Penang is in the top lists for tourist stops in 2009 (following the top rank in New York Times 44 Places to Go in 2009, and the UNESCO's Heritage Site inclusion in 2008) , it's only natural that there will be more hotels opening very soon in Penang's hotspots. And while Penang is a definite next target for the Tony Fernandes & co for new airport and hotel off his Air Asia & Tune ventures, with the already completed Tune Hotel at Jalan Burmah to open as early as 1st of April 2009, the first Malaysia's Hard Rock Hotel (HRH, minus the casino) on the island will surely resonate a deep vibe for Penang's locals and visitors.

When this Hard Rock Penang (Hard Rock's 10th hotel worldwide) opens in Batu Feringhi by mid 2009, Penang will join only two hosts in Asia - Bali (Indonesia) and Pattaya (Thailand), to host these Seminole Tribe of Florida-owned (the 1971-established Hard Rock brand, since March 2007) popular hotels, first popularized in the United States destinations of Las Vegas (first to open, in 1995), Biloxi, Kansas City (pending), Tampa and Hollywood (Florida).

Besides Penang, another HRH is planned to open in Macau this year, with Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama to follow, scheduled for 2010; Dubai, scheduled to open in 2011; and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2012.

Read on the press releases on Hard Rock Penang (since 2007):-

HPL HOTELS & RESORTS
50 Cuscaden Road
#05-02 HPL House
Singapore 249724
Tel: (65) 6735 2811
Fax: (65) 6235 3216
Email: corporate@hplhotels.com
Website: www.hplhotels.com
Member of the HPL Group
CO. REG. NO. 199704528Z

Hard Rock International and HPL Hotels & Resorts Announce Development of Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Innovators In Hotel Property Development To Deliver Unprecedented Four-Star, Luxury To Exotic Malaysian Resort Setting

Orlando, FL – October 27, 2007 – Hard Rock International and Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) announced
today their plans to develop a Hard Rock Hotel in Penang, Malaysia. Hard Rock Hotel Penang will be a luxury
resort situated along the famous beaches of Batu Ferringhi, hailed as the Pearl of the Orient. The property,
which aims to infuse new excitement and energy into the market, underscores resurgence in tourism and
reflects Hard Rock’s strategy to accelerate expansion of the brand worldwide.

The resort is situated on nearly five acres of land with approximately two miles of magnificent beachfront on
one of Asia’s most popular island destinations. Coupled with Hard Rock’s tradition of providing luxury,
quality service and amenities with a unique rock ‘n’ roll edge, this destination resort will bring a unique
entertainment element the island has yet to offer.

“We plan to continue our Asian expansion of the Hard Rock brand with unique, new properties – including
urban hotel and destination resorts and cafes,” commented Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock
International. “We have a long standing and successful partnership with HPL Hotels & Resorts through the
Hard Rock Hotel properties in Bali and Pattaya.”

Through a major renovation of the existing property, HPL Hotels & Resorts will completely revamp the
existing five-story main building, add additional rooms and maintain one of the two current beachfront
bungalows, converting it into a full service luxury spa. The renovation and expansion will increase
guestroom keys from 180 to 255, configured as mostly deluxe rooms with hill, sea, garden or lagoon views.
There will also be nine studio suites and one Kings’ suite. Four food and beverage outlets are planned for the
resort, which will include a Hard Rock Cafe, an all-day dining restaurant and a bar/lounge. The resort’s main
ballroom and three function rooms offer a total of 5,700 square feet for private events and the meetings,
incentives, corporate and exhibitions clientele. Additionally, there will be a fully equipped gym and a
specialized kids' club.

A main trademark of the Hard Rock Hotel experience, Hard Rock Hotel Penang will feature an incredible
oversized free-form pool, totaling 25,833 square feet, replete with sand islands and luxurious poolside
cabanas.

“Penang has eagerly anticipated the entry of an energetic and adventurous hotel brand such as Hard Rock,”
says Stephen Lau, Chairman of HPL Hotels & Resorts. “Our company’s projected growth strategy is to
continue to open more resorts and hotels in key Asia-Pacific cities that, in partnership with like-minded
associates, will assure our guests a satisfying level of comfort backed by personalized service. Hard Rock
Hotel Penang could not be more perfect.”

“The Seminole Tribe of Florida is thrilled about further Hard Rock development in Southeast Asia,” notes Max
Osceola Jr., Member of the Seminole Tribal Council, “It’s a testament to the brand that we have such
incredible strategic partners and ample opportunity for global growth in such interesting locations. We are
looking forward to this groundbreaking new property.”
Declared as “Visit Malaysia Year” by the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Malaysia is
expecting an increase in the number of tourist arrivals to reach approximately 20 million in 2007; up from
17.5 million in 2006. With the “Visit Malaysia Year” 2007 campaign and the State’s efforts to bring back the
glory days of tourism to Penang, the island is expected to see a major resurgence in leisure, transient and
business travel with robust gains in overall occupancy and average rates.

~ The End ~

About Hard Rock International
With 122 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes and eight Hotels/Casinos in 47 countries, Hard Rock International is
one of the world’s most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns
the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe.
Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live
performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock
Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi,
Orlando, Chicago, Pattaya and Bali, with San Diego scheduled to open later in 2007. Additional hotel and
casino projects have been announced in Macau, scheduled to open in 2009, and Palm Springs, scheduled to
open in 2010. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For more
information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.

About HPL Hotels & Resorts
Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts currently manages the activities of eight hotels and
resorts in the Asia-Pacific region. These include Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Concorde Hotel Shah Alam,
Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Hard Rock Hotels in Bali – Indonesia and Pattaya –
Thailand, Casa del Mar in Langkawi – Malaysia, The Lakehouse in Cameron Highlands – Malaysia and Rihiveli
Beach Resort in Maldives.

Contacts:

Dan Klores Communications

Marissa Mastellone
212-981-5210 (office)
Marissa_mastellone@dkcnews.com
HPL Hotels & Resorts

Karen Chan
(65) 6731 4902
karen.chan@hplhotels.com


Penang Gets Ready to Rock with the Opening of Malaysia’s 1st Hard Rock Hotel

22nd January 2008, Singapore – Come 2009, the tropical island of Penang will be rocking and rolling
with vibes when Malaysia’s first Hard Rock Hotel throws opens its doors. The property, which is
currently undergoing construction, will deliver a unique product which aims to infuse new excitement and
energy into the popular holiday destination.

HPL Hotels & Resorts currently manages eight properties in Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean. These
include Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur
International Airport, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, Casa del Mar – Langkawi, The
Lakehouse – Cameron Highlands and Rihiveli Beach Resort – Maldives and Kandooma – Maldives,
which is due to open in mid 2008. Hard Rock Hotel Penang is the third Hard Rock Hotel in Asia and also
the third to be managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts, with the other two being Bali, Indonesia and Pattaya,
Thailand.

Fronting the beautiful beaches of Batu Ferringhi, Hard Rock Hotel Penang will offer 252 musically-
themed guestrooms, with most configured as deluxe rooms with sea, hill, and garden views; the lagoon
view rooms come with direct pool access. There will also be nine studio suites and one Kings’ suite.

Four food and beverage outlets are planned for the resort, which will include a Hard Rock Cafe, an all-
day dining restaurant and a bar/lounge. Facilities include a full service luxury spa, a fully equipped gym, a
specialized Lil’ Rock Kids Club, and a Hard Rock merchandise store. Hard Rock Hotel Penang will also
offer guests a main trademark of the Hard Rock Hotel experience, that is, an incredible oversized free-
form pool totaling 2,400 square metres, complete with sand islands, water slides and poolside cabanas.

According to Ms Karen Chan, Marketing Communications Manager for HPL Hotels & Resorts, Hard
Rock Hotel Penang will add a new entertainment dimension to the holiday destination. She said: “The
Hard Rock culture is about being irreverent and living for the moment, so you can expect Hard Rock
Hotel Penang to offer an experience that abounds with limitless energy, unparalleled creativity and
quality service … very different from the typical sun, sand and sea vacation.”

The resort will not only to appeal to both leisure and family travel, but also to corporate meetings. With a
variety of indoor and outdoor function spaces housed in a marquee garden ballroom, pre-function garden
area, and three meeting rooms, this rock ’n’ roll sanctuary will no doubt be popular with many corporate
planners.

Penang is served by many international airlines and is easily accessible from major cities in the world.
Situated about 45 minutes away by road from the Penang International Airport, Hard Rock Hotel Penang
is also just 30 minutes from Georgetown, the capital city of Penang. The island can also be reached by
road via the Penang Bridge which links it to the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia.

~ End ~

About HPL Hotels & Resorts

Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality management company, operated and
wholly owned by a Singapore main-board listed, Hotel Properties Limited (HPL). HPL Hotels & Resorts
currently manages eight properties in Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean, with another two new properties
scheduled to open in the next two years. With more than 2,127 rooms, the brands include city hotels,
beach resorts, boutique properties and hillside retreat, each with its own unique style and character,
offering distinct experiences ranging from lifestyle and themed concepts to adventure and eco-tourism.
For more information, visit www.hplhotels.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Karen Chan – Marketing Communications Manager
T: (65) 6731 4902


HPL Hotels & Resorts appoints General Manager to open Hard Rock Hotel Penang

12 January 2009, Singapore – HPL Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the
appointment of John Primmer as General Manager for Hard Rock Hotel Penang.
A New Zealand national, Primmer has 27 years of hospitality experience, having held senior
management positions in Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and United Kingdom for the past
17 years. He was previously the General Manager of James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Wellington New Zealand.

Mr Greg Lee, Vice President – Operations of HPL Hotels & Resorts notes, “Primmer has a
wealth of experience in managing hotels. His experience and strong track record will be vital
in delivering the Hard Rock brand in Malaysia.”
Scheduled to open in mid-2009, Hard Rock Penang will be the first musically themed resort
in Malaysia, which aims to infuse new excitement and energy into the popular holiday
destination. Most of the 249 guestrooms are configured as deluxe rooms with sea views;
while the lagoon deluxe rooms come with direct pool access off the guest balconies.

Five food and beverage establishments are planned for the resort, which will include a Hard
Rock Café, an all-day dining restaurant, pizzeria, poolside bar and lounge. Facilities include
a full service luxury spa, a fully equipped gym, a specialised Lil’ Rock Kids Club, Teens club,
Hard Rock merchandise stores, and a 26,000 sq ft free-form swimming pool – the largest
pool in Penang.

The resort will appeal to both leisure / family travel, as well as to corporate meetings. With a
variety of indoor and outdoor function facilities including a marquee garden ballroom, pre-
function garden area, and three meeting rooms, this rock n’ roll sanctuary will be a popular
preference among many corporate meeting planners.

~ End ~

John Primmer, the newly appointed general manager at Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Angeline Loh | Marketing Communications Manager | HPL Hotels & Resorts
Email: angeline.loh@hplhotels.com | Tel: (65) 6731 4902 | Fax: (65) 6235 3216

OR

Betty Lim | Director of Sales & Marketing | Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Email: betty.lim@hardrockhotels.net | Tel: 6 (04) 881 1711 | Fax: 6 (04) 881 2155

ABOUT HPL HOTELS & RESORTS
Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality management company,
operated and wholly-owned by a Singapore main-board listed, Hotel Properties Limited (HPL).
HPL Hotels & Resorts currently manages the activities of 11 hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific
and the Indian Ocean. These include Concorde Hotel Singapore, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur,
Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Hard Rock Hotel
Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Casa del Mar, Langkawi, The
Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands, Rihiveli Beach Resort, Maldives and Kandooma~Maldives.
For more information, please visit www.hplhotels.com.

Penang's First

It's time for Penangites to be proud of its history on being many of the firsts in Malaysia, and some in South East Asia too...

• Religion - 1734+

1. Masjid Jamek Batu Uban is possibly the oldest mosque in Penang and the oldest surviving mosque in Malaysia if present claims on the structure to have been built as early as in 1734 are verified. The builder was named to be Laksamana/Nakhoda Intan Nam Tunku Patis Batang or also known as Haji Mohammad Salleh a seafarer from Acheh, Northern Sumatera (now part of Indonesia). This will make it much older than the more popular Kapitan Keling Mosque (also in Penang - 1801) and Kampung Laut Mosque (in Tumpat, Kelantan - 1730s, but moved from its original site to Kampung Nilam Puri in 1960s). If such claims are proven to be correct, the history taught in Malaysian school books all these past few decades would have to be changed, specifically on the part that claims that British Sir Francis Light established the first civilized settlement on the island of Penang which might turn out to be 42 years later.
   
   
2. St George 's Anglican Church on Farquhar Street, established in 1816, is the oldest Anglican Church in South East Asia and the only building from Penang that was declared one of the 50 National Treasures by the Malaysian Government.

• British Outpost (1786)
  First in the then Malaya and South East Asia

• Public/Governance Services - 1807+
  
  1. The Royal Malaysian Police was established when King George III awarded Penang a 'Charter of Justice’ in 1807 to form the police force and the Court of Justice.
  2. The Municipal Council of Penang Island (Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang), is the successor of the Municipal Council of George Town, which was established in 1857 as Malaysia's first local authority.
  3. George Town, the state capital of Penang, became a city by a royal charter granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 1 January 1957, becoming the first town in the Federation of Malaya to become a city.
  4. Covering 738 km², the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai) is the largest local authority in Malaysia.
  5. The 2,562-hectare Penang National Park in Teluk Bahang gazetted in 2003 is the world’s smallest national park

• Education (Schools) - 1816+
  
  1. Penang Free School founded by Rev. Sparke Hutchings in 1816, is the first and oldest English School in South East Asia.
  2. The Sekolah Kebangsaan Gelugor in Penang founded in 1826 is the first Malay school to be established in Malaysia.
  3. The St Xavier's Institution established in 1852, is the first school established in Malaysia to be administered and fully owned by the La Salle Brothers.
  4. Convent Light Street or the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, a girls' school established by a French Sisters' Mission in 1852, is the oldest girls' school in South East Asia.
  5. Chung Hwa Confucian School founded by Cheong Fatt Tze in 1904, was one of the oldest formal Chinese Schools established in South-east Asia as a result of influence by the educational reforms in China in early 1900s. Mandarin is the school’s medium of instruction.

• Media - 1837+
  
  1. The country's first newspaper made its appearance in Penang in 1805 - the Prince of Wales Island Gazette. This was followed by the Penang Gazette, first published in 1837.
  2. Malaysia's oldest Chinese newspaper still in circulation today, Kwong Wah Yit Poh or Kwong Wah Daily (光华日报) was founded on 20 December 1910 by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in Penang.

• Entertainment/Sports - 1864+
  
  1. The Penang Turf Club, established in 1864, is Malaysia's oldest horse racing and equestrian centre.
  2. The Penang Players Music and Drama Society, the oldest English amateur theatre group in Malaysia, was founded in the early 1950s by a group of expatriates residing in Penang.

• Finance/Banking - 1875+
  
  1. Standard Chartered Bank, the oldest bank in Malaysia, opened its doors in 1875.
  2. Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation (now known as HSBC) and UK-based Royal Bank of Scotland (then ABN AMRO) also opened among their earliest branches in Penang, in 1885 and 1888 respectively.
     

Happy Holidays 2008->2009!

Happy Holidays...

and six more days to New Year 2009!

If you'll be celebrating New Year's Eve in Penang on the 31st of December 2008, these are the happening places (with large crowds for the countdown moment) that you might want to check out:-

1. Esplanade aka "Padang Kota", Light Street, George Town - Fireworks and a grand concert featuring Ella, May, Sofaz and more. Details at 9-creativision.com
   
   
2. Auto City, Juru, Seberang Perai - More info at autocity.com.my
   
   
3. Tapak Pesta, Sg. Nibong, Pulau Pinang - Pesta Penang's Final Day (Clearance) Sale and live performance by XPDC.
   
   
4. Queensbay Mall, Bayan Baru - live music including by Dayang, Farah Asyikin, Storm, Mary Go Round, Bosco Wong, Orange and more. More info at pigeonfly.com and Queensbay Mall website.
   

Art & Culture Festival for Penang

It was one of the least publicized public events during Pesta Penang 2008 month (29 Nov - 31 Dec '08), and held on Sunday evening of the 14th of December, at one of the most unexpected venue - deep in a low-cost residential area of Sungai Ara (third biggest town in Penang after Georgetown and Butterworth - in terms of population)...

But it was a festive nite indeed for the residents of Desaria Sri Merpati and visitors, with performance by popular artist like Nassier Wahab, and folks musical and dance show including Ghazal, Boria, Tarian Rampaian Melayu Tradisional, Chinese & Indian Dance and Fireworks show.

Officiation for "Program Merakyatkan Seni Budaya dan Festival Kesenian Rakyat 2008" was done by YB Dato' Seri Dr Hilmi bin Haji Yahaya, State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Teluk Bahang, one of the three ADUNs for Balik Pulau parliamentary or Southwest District of Penang (although Sungai Ara is supposedly in the Bayan Baru parliamentary district). Also presence were Syed Amerruddin Syed Ahmad and Sr. Muhammad Farid Saad, the other two ADUNs of Balik Pulau. The hosting VIPs were Puan Fariza binti Ahmad, Assistant Director of Art & Culture Dept of Penang and En. Abdul Rahim bin Mohamed Sultan, Chairman of KRT Taman Desaria Sri Merpati.



The event was closed by a finale performance involving all performers on site:



Other public events in Penang during the same weekend include Karnival Mesra Rakyat @ Pasar Awam Balik Pulau, Starwalk Carnival @ PISA, Seminar Usahawan Rakyat @ Dewan Budaya USM, Mr Pesta Muscle Beach @ Tanjung Bungah and Ping Pong Competition @ Pesta Penang in addition to on-going events including Pesta Penang @ Sg. Nibong (with appearances by Hilmi Gimik, Zizan Nin and Datuk SMS), TenPin Bowling @ Prai (12-20dec08), and Red Bull Power Grind Extreme Games @ Taman Perbandaran (14-17dec08).

[It seems that the term "rakyat" being aggresively used by both sides of the Malaysian politics - Barisan Nasional that's leading the federal government and Pakatan Rakyat that's leading the state government (as well as by non-political entities) to attract the crowd nowadays]

Dinner and Romance...

It was a festive nite in the normally-quiet fishing village of Teluk Tempoyak for over a hundred delegates including dozens from neighboring countries of Indonesia and Thailand -- all are in Penang for a two-day gathering in conjunction with the 26th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Joint Business Council (JBC) Meeting.

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

Guests, many of whom were brought to the venue in four police-escorted buses from their respective hotels in George Town (Tanjung), were treated with Malay traditional delicacies including fresh grilled fish, prawns and other seafood served with hot and sour sauce, chicken sate (grilled meat) with nut sauce, roti jala with curry, rice etc. and fruity juices.

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

Among the distinguished guests include YB Tuan Abdul Malik Kassim (Penang State Executive Councillor chairing Domestic Trade Consumer Affairs, and also the local State Assemblyman for Batu Maung) representing the YAB Chief Minister of Penang, Tuan Rizal Faris Mohideen Abdul Kader (President of the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce - DPMMPP) and representatives from other chamber of commerces, Federation of Malaysian Manufactureds (FMM), PERDASAMA, Penang Association of ICT Entrepreneurs (ICT Penang), Penang Bumiputera Petty Traders Association, head of various government agencies, and head of delegates from Indonesia and Thailand.

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

Joint Business Council for the IMT-GT initiative is chaired by YBhg Dato' Haji Faudzi Naim Haji Noh, who is also presently the Vice President of the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMM). The two-day annual meeting for JBC is currently held at the Gurney Resort Hotel & Residences from today until tomorrow, 4-5 DEC 2008, and is to be closed by a another dinner event for delegates and invited guests at Medusa Restaurant, Gurney Drive.

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

And what would a dining experience be at Restoran Seri Idaman, one of the popular eating spots in southern Penang island for those opting for seafood, without good live performance and music? Troupes from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Sumatera and Southern Thailand entertained the audience with lively dance and traditional music, closed with a modern Puteri Gunung Ledang rendition, the "Asmaradana" (literally, casual romance).

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

Besides for relaxing and re-filling of everyone's daily nutritional needs, business events like this are good networking platforms for entrepreneurs and businessmen, and this wall of name cards situated next to the cashier's counter of Restoran Seri Idaman is a soft testament to its hosting of so many connections and deals made at the venue.

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

From Dinner & Romance @ Teluk Tempoyak (4dec08)

The dinner event was hosted by the State Government of Penang.

More IMT-GT JBC event to follow tomorrow (5th December 2008) including working group meetings, a plenary session and "trail by trishaw to UNESCO Heritage Site" activity. For more information contact the Event Secretariat: Mazniza/Sueinan @+604 250-3015 or visit 12th Floor, Bangunan Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia, 1 Lebuh Pantai, 10300 Pulau Pinang.

More updates will be posted online at http://facebook.com/event.php?eid=42455960835, http://ictpenang.com and http://dpmmpp.com

F1 at Queensbay Mall

Months ago I went to see full size replica team F1 Renault. This time, the showcase are for ING Insurance promotion. So these are some pics

Jom Pi Penang (29nov-31dec08)

"A month-long fun fairs of 160 stores with rides, games and a trade exhibition to cater for the whole family."

Date: 29th November 2008 ~ 31st December 2008
Time: 6pm ~ 11.30pm
Venue: Pesta Site, Sungai Nibong
Organizer: Penang State Government's Finance Department (Jabatan Kewangan Negeri Pulau Pinang - JKNPP)
Tel: 04-2623505 / 04-6585202

Admission fees: RM3 (Adult), RM1 (Children 7~12 years old)

Special highlights: Nightly concerts featuring local artists.

Activities:-

1. Paintball Adventure
2. Showcase Pengacara Aznil Nawawi
3. Penternakan Lintah & Ayam Piru, Effective Microorganism
4. Showcase Ustaz Akhil Hayy and Friends
5. Pameran Mini Fertigasi & Konsep 3-Dimensi Tasik Meromitik
6. Penampilan Artis Tempatan
7. Program Mengapai Bintang Bersama Angkasawan Negara
8. Nabil Raja Lawak
9. Program Bersama Sasterawan Negara
10. Kumpulan XPDC
11. Mari Membaca Bersama Abang Alif (AF)
12. Kumpulan Senario
13. Bersama Kartunis Negara ”Datuk Lat”
14. Kumpulan Wings
15. Program Satu Bayi Satu Buku
16. Faizal Tahir and Izwan Pilus
17. Thai Fair & Chinese Asia Art Group
18. 6th Sense
19. Kumpulan Kristal
20. Showcase Music DJ Rika and DJ Deen
21. Kumpulan Def Gab C
22. School Of Music Performance
23. Hilmi Gimik
24. Artis Mentor [Fiq,Pija & Ayu]
25. Kumpulan Hujan
26. Kumpulan Data
27. Kumpulan May
28. Kumpulan Jinbara
29. Pertandingan Tarian Kebudayaan
30. Pertandingan Badminton Tertutup
31. Pertandingan Nyanyian Lagu Asli & Pertandingan Kugiran
32. Pertandingan Ping Pong Pesta Pulau Pinang 2008
33. Pertandingan Karom Terbuka
34. Kejohanan Tinju Terbuka
35. Pertandingan Boria
36. Pertandingan Kick Boxing/Tomoi
37. Pertandingan Gusti Lengan & Body Building Show Off,
38. Aerobathon
39. Penyertaan Antarabangsa – Xiamen (China), Sumatera Utara (Medan)
40. Euro Fun Park
    

and many more...

Press:

Pesta expo to feature 165 stalls

The Star Online (Thursday November 27, 2008)

THE annual Pesta Pulau Pinang expo will feature 165 stalls which will exhibit and sell a variety of items such as electrical gadgets, food and tourism and textile products.

The expo at the Pesta grounds in Sungai Nibong will open daily from 6pm to 11.30pm from Saturday to Dec 31.

State Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law said Angkasawan Datuk Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, squash champion Datuk Nicole David and badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei will make special appearances.

“There will be nightly concerts featuring local singers including Mas Idayu and Faizal Tahir at the main stage,” he told a press conference at the Pesta site yesterday.

To promote a healthy lifestyle, ping pong, badminton and sepaktakraw matches would be held, he said.

Other activities include Mini Malaysia Carnival, Menara KL Show, Reptile and Exotic Animals Display and paintball games, he said.

“Indonesia, Thailand, China and Nigeria will be taking up booths to display their goods,” he said.

Admission fees for adults have been reduced from RM4 last year to RM3 this year. Children aged between seven and 12 will be charged RM1 each.

About 500,000 people are expected to visit the 33-day event.

Law said the Penang Floral Festival, a Pesta Pulau Pinang programme, would open between 9am and 7pm daily from Nov 29 to Dec 7 at the Penang Botanic Gardens.

Themed “Floral Fantasy,” the festival is expected to draw 50,000 people. Admission is free.

“The highlights of the festival are the orchid, bonsai and adenium competitions. Government agencies and private companies in Penang can also vie for the Governor’s Challenge Trophy in the landscape design competition,” he said.

On the Penang Pesta Dragon Open Boat Race, he said it would be held on Dec 7 at the Teluk Bahang Dam instead of Queensbay’s coastal seafront as announced earlier.

Downloads/Media:-

• Pesta Pulau Pinang 2008 Audio Ads:

1. Bahasa Melayu
2. Bahasa Inggeris
3. Bahasa Cina

• Full Brochure (1.26MB PDF)
  
  

• Printable Floor Plan (319KB PDF):

Adapted from Visit Penang's website. For information on more tourism events in Penang, download "Penang Calendar of Events 2009" (3MB PDF).